Hillcrest linebacker Keith Holcombe happy with switch to Alabama

By Morgan ReamesSpecial to The Tuscaloosa News

Published: Thursday, October 31, 2013 at 3:30 a.m.

Last Modified: Wednesday, October 30, 2013 at 11:33 p.m.

Hillcrest High School football player Keith Holcombe continued a legacy when he committed to Alabama this summer, following in the footsteps of his father, Danny, who played for Paul W. “Bear” Bryant in the 1980s.

The family ties had a big impact on the 6-foot-4, 209-pound linebacker's decision to stay in Tuscaloosa.

“Me and my brother grew up listening to my dad tell stories about Alabama tradition and all that, and I knew that I wanted to be a part of that,” said Holcombe, whose team plays its regular-season finale against Demopolis at 7 tonight. “He was excited that I committed to Alabama, but throughout the whole process, both of my parents were on my side the whole time.”

Holcombe, rated as a three-star prospect by Rivals.com, caught the eye of several college programs in the past two seasons. His first scholarship offer came from Jacksonville State, where his older brother Max plays, but Keith committed to Mississippi State in July.

He thought his recruitment was complete. Then came a scholarship offer from Alabama.

That changed everything.

“Growing up in Tuscaloosa, it was always a dream of mine to go to Alabama,” Keith said. “The recruiting process, I wanted to get it over as soon as possible so I could focus on my senior year and go as far as I can in the state playoffs. The best thing I had when I decided to commit was Mississippi State.”

When the Alabama offer came, Holcombe flipped his commitment 11 days after committing to the Bulldogs. While Holcombe was sure of his choice, the decision to make the switch wasn't easy.

“We didn't think we were going to get the offer from Alabama,” Danny Holcombe said. “It was a hectic couple of days for Keith because he didn't want to be the guy who flip-flopped around.”

Danny said his son committing to Alabama was not a shock and was a decision based around family.

“We were excited about Mississippi State. We loved the coaches, the school, everything about it,” Danny said. “But a few days later, Alabama came calling again. I think all the schools knew he would commit to Alabama.”

With his focus on the football field, Holcombe has been the Patriots' unquestioned leader, leading the team with 100 tackles, two sacks and one interception entering tonight. Hillcrest finished fourth in Class 6A, Region 5 and has qualified for the playoffs that start next week.

Hillcrest coach Scott Martin said Holcombe is essential to the school's football program on and off the field.

“He's one of those guys that you miss his leadership ability when he's not here as much as his football ability,” Martin said. “He has improved as a football player each year because of the type of work ethic he has.”

Since his pledge to Alabama, Holcombe said, the recruiting process has come to halt. He said only Alabama and Mississippi State still call to recruit him.

Martin said the process was fast and simple, beginning in the spring and ending in summer. In the end, Holcombe ended up getting exactly what he wanted.

“It was difficult because of the kind of young man he is, but his heart was in Tuscaloosa with the University of Alabama,” Martin said. “A lot of times people asked, 'What if Alabama offered you, what would you do?,' and he would always say, 'They haven't offered me.' He did a great job of being committed to the people he was committed to, but once he got what he wanted, it was a very difficult decision for him to make.”

Holcombe has been around UA's campus constantly since the commitment. He went to the Colorado State and Tennessee games, and plans to visit for LSU on Nov. 9.

He said there are two players on Alabama's defense he looks up to, including one from his hometown.

“(Safety) Vinnie Sunseri, because he's a Tuscaloosa kid. I always look up to him,” Holcombe said. “And C.J. Mosley because he is pretty much the captain, and that's what I try to be out here.”

Holcombe said he is solid in his commitment and is excited to stay close to home.

“He was born and raised in Tuscaloosa, and his dad played for Alabama,” Martin said. “It was a dream come true.”

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